The Rental Market and Lack of Accessible Homes
A recent study by Stannah has revealed a significant gap in accessibility features within the London rental market, with only 140 out of 43,000 rental properties offering basic accessibility features such as step-free access, wet rooms, or level access. This highlights some of the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities when searching for suitable rental accommodation.
Accessible rental properties are not merely a convenience but a necessity. For individuals living with disabilities, adapted homes offer independence, comfort, and safety.
Unfortunately, the difficulties in finding accessible properties extend beyond the capital, with many individuals across the UK struggling to locate suitable accommodation.
In this article, we discuss the need for accessible rental properties and how Steven Docker Associates (SDA) can assist.
Accessible Rental Properties
Across the UK, the availability of accessible rental properties remains limited, with approximately only 7% of homes in England meeting accessibility standards. This leaves a significant proportion of the 13.9 million people living with disabilities in the UK without suitable housing options.
Although government initiatives, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), aim to encourage property adaptations, uptake within the private rental sector remains low, with only 8% of DFG funds allocated to rental properties.
For individuals with clinical negligence or personal injury claims, securing an accessible rental property is often about more than simply finding a place to live; it’s about reclaiming quality of life while awaiting a more permanent solution. Many clients require adapted accommodation whilst adjusting to life with life-changing injuries, and accessible rental properties play a vital role in providing a safe and comfortable environment for them and their families. This interim housing is essential while adaptations are made to their existing home or until an accessible property can be found, adapted, or built. These adapted rentals are a vital part of the recovery and rehabilitation process and can often be the first step to living independently following a catastrophic injury.
Property Finding
At Steven Docker Associates (SDA), we provide a bespoke property-finding service tailored to individuals in need of accessible homes. This service is especially beneficial for those requiring immediate accessible accommodation following a hospital discharge or rehabilitation, whose current home is undergoing adaptations, or while they await their permanent, fully accessible ‘forever home’.
At the heart of SDA’s property-finding service lies a deep understanding of each client’s unique needs. Our team works closely with the client, their family, and care professionals (where needed) to conduct a thorough assessment. This enables us to develop a personalised solution that meets the client’s specific requirements.
The decision-making process often involves multiple parties, including the client, their family members, case managers, occupational therapists, and legal teams. SDA ensures that everyone is fully engaged and informed at each step of the process.
Once we have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s needs, our team takes charge of every aspect of the search. We conduct viewings, or arrange accompanied viewings, of potential properties, compile a shortlist of homes that meet the client’s accessibility requirements, and provide detailed feasibility assessments and valuation reports. These resources assist clients in evaluating the suitability of each property, along with the potential costs of any required adaptations.
When a suitable property is identified, SDA’s team can design floor layouts and utilise visualisation tools to give clients a clear sense of how the space will look and function once adapted. This service ensures that clients feel confident and reassured, knowing their future home will be both accessible and comfortable.
Throughout the process, we also handle negotiations on behalf of our clients, including rental agreements, and provide guidance to landlords on making properties accessible.
By offering this streamlined, supportive service early in the recovery process when clients need the most assistance and guidance, we help to alleviate much of the burden, allowing them to focus on their recovery and adjusting to life following a life-changing injury.